Jasper, Ala. (Aug. 21, 2025) — LaFayette Main Street is excited to announce it was recognized for its impactful work at the twelfth annual Awards of Excellence Banquet. The event was sponsored by Energy Southeast, UB Community Development, and the Walker Area Community Foundation. The Awards of Excellence committee selected LaFayette Main Street for the Reinvestment Award, Excellence in Public Art Award, and Excellence in Fundraising Award.
The Reinvestment Award recognizes Designated Main Street Alabama programs that have reached significant milestones in their district revitalization efforts. LaFayette Main Street reached over 1 million in reinvestments from both private and public reinvestments. The Welcome to LaFayette Downtown Mural, commissioned by local artist Jim Frank, won the Excellence in Public art Award. This beautiful artwork includes historic significance and landmarks of LaFayette in its design and is located in the heart of downtown. And, last but not least, was the Excellence in Fundraising Award for the Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant. The Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant brought together over 40 participants, a large audience, and strong local business involvement to raise funds while showcasing leadership, empowerment, and community pride. Titleholders have since represented LaFayette Main Street at parades, holiday events, and even visits to state legislators, strengthening community pride and advocacy for local revitalization efforts.
“Last night’s event was a heartwarming celebration of the remarkable achievements of our local Main Street programs,” said Mary Wirth, Director of Main Street Alabama. “The inspiring success stories shared at the event truly highlighted the essence of community spirit and collaboration. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of Main Street’s Four-Point Approach in fostering economic development and preserving historic areas.”
Local programs also selected a Main Street Hero that honored an individual, business, or organization that made an outstanding contribution to their program. These Heroes were recognized at the Toast to Heroes Reception sponsored by Regions Bank prior to the banquet. Cindy Henderson was chosen for the work performed and positive impact made on behalf of LaFayette Main Street and its community.
“Revitalizing and restoring our town will leave a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. Aesthetically you can see the progress that has been made over the last few years, but what inspires me the most is how this program has helped bring us all together.
It is exciting to see change, to see new partnerships, and be a part of LaFayette Main Street,” said Cindy Henderson, LMS Hero Award recipient.
Main Street Alabama and LaFayette Main Street are non-profit organizations which stresses public-private partnerships, broad community engagement, and strategies that create jobs, spark new investment, attract visitors, and spur growth in core commercial districts. Main Street builds on the authentic history, culture, and attributes of specific places, to bring sustainable change.
For a list and location of all 34 Designated and 32 Network Main Street Alabama communities, visit mainstreetalabama.org/our-communities/. To become a LaFayette Main Street member or to volunteer, please reach out to mainstreetlafayette@gmail.com.